ALA Booklist (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Happy with his fishbowl castle and the shower of tasty flakes that fall from the "sky" every morning, Gilbert has nonetheless long yearned for a pet d so is delighted by the arrival of a frisky dog. After a weary week of constant barking, though, he is glad when the dog is replaced by a much quieter mouse o scuttles off after realizing that Gilbert isn't a piece of cheese. Next comes a housefly, who seems more sociable but ends up flattened by a swatter. Gilbert's world barely extends beyond his bowl, but Shea's big, brightly colored graphic-style scenes fill in the details, switching back and forth from close-ups to broader views. Children, along with Gilbert, are subjected to a real emotional roller-coaster ride by the succession of companions, which reaches its most suspenseful peak with the ominous arrival of a final pet (seen at first only in shadowy silhouette) with short ears and whiskers. But fear not: a final twist leads to a happy resolution.

Horn Book (Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Goldfish Gilbert longs for a pet. A visiting dog is energetic but loud; a neighboring mouse is cute but quiet; a buzzing-by fly is friendly but, sadly, gets swatted (a bit shocking). When all hope seems lost, a twist reveals the perfect pal. The well-paced story, with crisp illustrations, will hook readers into rooting for the endearing, bright-eyed swimmer.

Kirkus Reviews

A fresh, funny take on a popular topic—the perfect pet. Gilbert is a happy, happy goldfish, except for one very important thing. He desperately wants a pet. Not surprisingly, when a dog arrives and befriends Gilbert, the little fish is over the moon. That is, until all that barking begins to irritate his nerves. Gilbert is happy when the yappy dog departs, but he still wants a pet. Next to come by is a mouse. Gilbert thinks she will make the perfect pet, but she disappears once she realizes that though he is orange, Gilbert is not, in fact, a piece of cheese. Gilbert next meets a fly, but that relationship quickly ends with the unceremonious "Thwack!" of a fly-swatter. Poor Gilbert. Will he ever find the perfect pet? Shea's bright, cartoonlike illustrations place the emphasis on Gilbert's emotional rollercoaster. His excitement and disappointment as he gets to know each possible pet are palpable, with swift digital semicircles charting his ups and downs.  Pair with Emma Dodd's What Pet to Get (2008) or Fiona Robertson's Wanted: The Perfect Pet (2010) for surefire pet-centric fun. (Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

PreS-Gr 1 At first glance, it would seem that Gilbert Goldfish has it made: castle, treasure chest, and a steady supply of tasty flakes falling from the sky into his bowl. But sadness overwhelms him. Gilbert's deepest desire is to have a pet of his own, to care for and love. Finding the right one is no easy task for a goldfish, though. The visiting dog is too loud, the mouse too rude (he shuns Gilbert once he determines that the fish is not a big chunk of cheddar), and the flywell, what happens to the fly is too tragic to talk about. Finally, Gilbert thinks he has found the perfect pet, but readers may fear for his safety. Will all end in happiness or a calamity? The clever text stands on its own, but Shea's bold, expressive illustrations elevate this title to a higher plane. Wavy orange endpapers establish the watery setting and bright palette. Gilbert exudes emotion, whether love, horror, or sadness. With its mix of humor, mild shock (that fly again), and surprise ending, Gilbert Goldfish is a perfect choice for storytime and bedtime. Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR